"Wintry" Spring Storm Headed for the Southland

By Jim Purpura. Posted April 12, 2012, 5:16 PM.

The partly sunny skies seen this morning are quickly giving way to clouds late this afternoon as the second storm system this week approaches.

Rain will begin to affect southern California late tonight. The rain will be light at first, then as the storm approaches the area increase in intensity during the day Friday. This storm is quite a bit colder than yesterday's storm, with more wind, and more rain and snow. Also expect some thunderstorms Friday and Friday night, with small hail a possibility.

Look for 1/2 to 1 inch of rain the Simi Valley, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch in the Inland Empire, down to a 1/3 inch for City Heights in San Diego. Snow will fall down to 3500 to 4000 feet. The NWS in Oxnard and San Diego has issued Winter Storm Warnings. Snowfall could exceed several inches above 4000 feet and a foot or more above 6000 feet. Travel could be impacted in mountain areas including the Cajon Pass on I-15, and the Grapevine on I-5

Look for gusty winds in the valleys, and strong winds in the mountains.

The rain will end Saturday morning in Ventura and San Bernardino counties, around noon in Riverside County, and during the afternoon in San Diego County.

After the rain, expect a warmup into the 70's and 80's Sunday though Wednesday